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Murder-accused Oscar Pistorius has told the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria that he and his family had on a number of occasions been victims of crime.

Pistorius has been giving evidence in chief to defence advocate, Barry Roux. The State had earlier argued that there had been very little crime at the security estate in Pretoria where Pistorius shot dead Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's morning in 2013.

Pistorius claims he thought Steenkamp was an intruder when he fired through the toilet door. He says he had on numerous occasions been concerned about his safety.

Pistorius publically apologised to Reeva Steenkamp's mother

Earlier, he told the court that he never wants to handle a gun again after he shot and killed Steenkamp. He was immediately emotional as he took the stand. It is expected that he will remain in the witness box for most of this week.

Pathologist Jan Botha was excused shortly after midday when Pistorius took the stand. Advocate Roux for the defence told the court that the athlete first wanted to address the court before giving his evidence in chief.

Pistorius publically apologised to Reeva's mother, June, and other family members. He said that he thought about them every moment of every day since he shot and killed Reeva.

Roux then asked him about his personal circumstances since the shooting. Pistorius said he was on antidepressants and suffered from nightmares. He said he was too scared to go to sleep and that he never again wanted to handle any firearm.

The case has adjourned. Roux asked for the adjournment after Pistorius again became emotional. The State expressed concern about the constant adjournments that have plagued the case so far.